Daniel in the Lions’ Den
Open Your Bible
Daniel 6:1-28, 2 Timothy 3:12-15, 1 Peter 5:8-9
BY Abby Flynn
Have you ever been in a lions’ den?
For most of us, the answer is probably NO, but metaphorically, that might be a different story. What I’m really asking is this: Have you ever been in a situation where you felt trapped, without options or a way out? Have you ever felt betrayed by the people you trusted? Have you ever wondered if God is big enough to pull you out of that difficult thing you’re facing?
In Daniel 6, the entire nation of Judah was in captivity. These people probably often felt defeated, yet they clung to the hope and the promise of a coming Messiah to save them.
In the midst of this, Daniel, a Judean, is working for King Darius and gains favor with him. The king positions Daniel for advancement, but this leads to jealousy from the king’s other administrators (Daniel 6:1–5). They knew Daniel served the God of Israel, which was in direct opposition to what the king had commanded. So they convinced the king to put an ordinance in place that anyone who chose to worship another god would be thrown into the lions’ den (vv.6–9). But instead of worshipping in secret or putting his faith on the back burner, Daniel continued praying to God publicly, despite the decree.
Three times a day he got down on his knees,
prayed, and gave thanks to his God,
just as he had done before (Daniel 6:10).
This clash between faith and politics resulted in Daniel being thrown into the lions’ den, even though the king desperately tried to save him. Once inside the den, the king tells Daniel to call out to his God for help. You see, even Darius recognized that Daniel’s God was living and active, something he saw by observing Daniel’s faith. The next morning, the king comes to check on Daniel, only to find he’s miraculously unharmed! (vv.21–22).
Here’s what this story shows us: No matter how dire things may look, there is NO situation created by man that God cannot change (v.17). There’s no principality, no power, no earthly ruler, or law greater than the one true God. The whole book of Daniel gives us constant reminders of God’s sovereignty. To this day, God is still a rescuer, deliverer, and miracle worker, even when circumstances are difficult.
So what are you having a hard time trusting God for? What is the seemingly impossible situation that you’re sitting in with no clear way out? The pressure may be on. You may not see a light at the end of the tunnel. But you can trust that the living God is in the den with you. And He has the ability to “shut the lions’ mouths” (v.22), whatever that may be in your life.
Lord, today we ask that you would remind us of the promises in your Word. Help us to focus our attention on You, instead of fearing the circumstances around us. Tune our hearts to the things you want to show us, even in the lions’ den. Even now.
69 thoughts on "Daniel in the Lions’ Den"
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Never thought to ask God to close the mouths of the lions. Light bulb moment.
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I need to keep my focus on God instead of circumstances!!!! God is faithful. He will get me through these hard times
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Today during my reading I was struck with the thought that God didn’t save Daniel from the lion’s den, he saved him IN the lion’s den. Same with the fiery furnace. Gods people still had to walk through the hard times, they were protected during them. The past 2 years I have been going through a divorce and it’s hard to understand why?? But God doesn’t promise to protect us from trials of this world – just to walk with us through them.
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❤️❤️❤️
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This is so good. Often times we as believers think we will not go through the trials of life, that God would spare us from that. God is with us during the trials and it is there that our faith is tested and strengthened.
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Wow! Thank you for pointing that out! Praying for you and that God will be so near to you!
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We are not alone… no matter what we are told. This world is a very scary place right now
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When reading about Daniel praying 3 times a day on his knees, I’m reminded of a message by Dr. Charles Stanley on Hebrews 4. At the end of the message, he was talking about how we can approach the Throne of Grace boldly because of Jesus. He suggested that people get on their knees and pray the last part of Hebrews 4 to God before presenting their needs. He reminded them to come reverently. We shouldn’t forget He is Holy. He said they should get on their knees because of who He is! This is acknowledging who He is, that we need Him, and the only reason we can come is because of Jesus! He said this could transform their prayer life. Here is a link to the message: https://youtu.be/PlgFpXJXW38
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Daniel was different. It was this difference that allowed him to rise in the ranks to become overseer of the satraps and it was this difference that made Darius believe Daniel could somehow survive the lions’ den.
May the difference in me be so undeniable that even non believers recognize and hope in the power of the One at work within me.
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Amen and Amen.
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What a reading for the time we are in. So glad I have a living God in the den with me!
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Man, this was a word from the Lord today in this present 2020. Such an incredible reminder that the God of the Old Testament is the same God today. His character never changes and He never diminishes Himself in one area to elevate another. He is ALL all the time. I find such great comfort in that in the chaos of our time. Even though I do not have clear understanding on what He is up to, His sovereignty over all time, circumstances and generations remains. Thanks be to God!
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